Requirements to Adopt: Any potential adopter must have at least one family member who either works from or stays at home for a majority of the week due to his separation anxiety. His larger size, coupled with his strength, also necessitates potential adopters to be capable of controlling his enthusiasm. He would do best as an only dog with no small children in the home. His adopter will need to be committed to continuing his training with a professional trainer.
Socialization/training: While Beau has had a rough couple of years, he is polite and eager to please. He has welcomed every human and dog that we have had over to the house, although he does occasionally give big barks upon entry, but settles quickly. We have monitored some growls that he has given other dogs over toys, furniture privileges, or affection, but nothing has escalated beyond that. He gets along with our setter and other dogs we’ve introduced him to, but he would likely prefer to be (and do best as) an only dog. We have not seen him bark at other dogs or people that we pass on walks, but he has sometimes barked when our “pack” separated or out of frustration while we worked on leash training. Beau is smart, eager to please, and knows his commands (e.g., sit, stay); however, he has the classic setter symptom of selective hearing, but he does listen in the times when we have really needed him to. He will sit before meals if instructed to and is released with “okay”. He would likely not be a good fit for a home with cats and small children. Beau has separation anxiety, and his adopter should be committed to working with him through these issues with a trainer after adoption.
Crate trained: Beau has pretty severe separation anxiety and does not like to be in a crate. The ideal “forever” home for Beau will respect his history and not crate Beau. We gradually built access to the house for him and he has consistently demonstrated respect for boundaries. Beauford has been generally trustworthy without a crate. He has stolen some bread off the counter and knocked down one of the baby gates that was meant to keep him in one room. Otherwise, he has not destroyed anything in our home. Chewing is reserved for his toys, and he settles down after a while in a comfy spot. He is generally not a counter surfer, but I would not leave him home alone with food easily accessible.
Leash trained: He can be a challenge on walks, as he is overstimulated, which can come out as non-aggressive reactivity to dogs (pulling, jumping, and barking) and hyper-fixation on squirrels. With a trainer and positive reinforcement training, he will continue to grow. He does much better on a walk after just 10 minutes of fetch beforehand.
Activity Level: Beau is a moderate- to high-activity dog. We do two 20-minute fetch sessions and two walks (20-30 minutes) per day and that seems sufficient for him. He really loves to play fetch and is just focused on fetching whatever you throw for him. He enjoys chewing bones, antlers, and stuffies while inside. He has done well with figuring out easy puzzle toys.
Fence: A fence is not required but is preferred. He has not tried to challenge our fence. An invisible fence might heighten his anxiety, but I would consult a certified trainer and gauge your needs.
Behavior: What isn’t there to love about Beau’s personality?! Beau, despite all the challenges he has been through, is a beautiful boy that desperately wants love and stability and is so deserving of it. He will follow his people throughout the house, rest by their side, and respectfully ask for pets. He is full of personality, mouthing your hand to direct pets and leaning intensely into you for a hopeful cuddle. His zest for life (particularly fetch) has brought us so many smiles and laughs. He also respects when you are too busy to engage with him and will remove himself to find a bone or toy. Beauford’s only behavioral “weaknesses” likely stem from his trauma. His separation anxiety is moderate to severe. Beau can be protective in some circumstances (e.g., not wanting his neuter incision to be touched, not wanting to share his person’s attention), although he has continued to improve as he settles. Still, Beau’s potential adopters need to recognize that these behaviors will only be overcome with patience and training.
Medical History: He is microchipped, neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and on mothly heartworm prevention. When Beau arrived in rescue, he tested positive for Lyme, but was treated with a course of antibiotics. We noticed occasional limping on his left front leg after intense activities, and x-rays showed a sprain with no deformities or severe conditions. He is currently on a prescription for Trazodone (monthly cost is about $20-$30USD with prices decreasing if generic) to be used for his separation anxiety and any extremely stressful events.
Foster Comments: To know Beau is to love Beau. Even with all he has been through, he is an exceptional dog who has so much love and life to give to his future family. He garners pets and praise from everyone he encounters, including our local veterinary staff, visiting friends, and our busy families. He deserves those pets and praise with a family that is understanding of his needs and eager for the lifetime of love, fun, and laughter that Beau will surely take with him. We will miss this big, beautiful boy, but we take solace in knowing that Beau's journey will continue with a family who cherishes him as much as we do. His boundless affection and unwavering loyalty will undoubtedly bring joy and warmth to their home, just as he has to ours.
Foster Location: East Lansing, MI
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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